RNLI safety warning: Research reveals 10m people in danger of tidal cut off

As families head to the coast to enjoy the Easter school break, the RNLI has revealed the results of a survey with Bangor University which shows large gaps in tidal knowledge. 

The findings of the nationwide research revealed that around 15% of respondents report being cut off by the tide, or nearly cut off, in their lifetime which equates to 10 million people in the UK and Ireland. Many of those people didn’t intend to be in or near the water. This gap in coastal safety knowledge is especially worrying as high spring tides will occur across the country during the Easter break when beaches are busy.

One of the key findings of the survey was the level of surprise about the speed of the incoming tide. Around 60% of those who had experienced tidal cut off were shocked at the speed they had become stranded.

The research also showed that four in ten people have no basic understanding of the tides and only half claim to check tide times before visiting a beach.

It further reveals that only a quarter (24%) of the public have sufficient ability to read and interpret a tide timetable in order to take the appropriate action to prevent being cut off by the tide. 

RNLI rescue data shows that lifeboat crews and lifeguards responded to 7,971 incidents across the UK and Ireland involving people cut off by the tide over the last decade. Of those incidents, many were considered life-threatening, and 452 lives were saved*.

In the South East there were 544 incidents involving people cut off by the tide during that time, resulting in 147 lives saved and 1,193 people aided.

Ensuring that you understand the tide times is vital before heading to the coast. In January 2025, Newhaven RNLI rescued three students who got cut off by the tide near Cuckmere Haven.

The three casualties were located on a small section of beach. They had initially been spotted by surfers who moved them to a safe spot and called for help.

Newhaven RNLI’s inshore-lifeboat recovered the three students, and took them to Newhaven lifeboat station to be checked over.

One of rescuees, Prashik Sonawane, a master's student, said: ‘We went to Seven Sisters for a walk and got stranded due to the high tide.

‘The water was coming towards the bottom of the cliff, with no way for us to get back.

‘We were all very anxious – none of us could swim. We felt like we were going to die.'

He added: ‘A couple of passing surfers spotted us, helped us to a dry area, and called for help.

‘We were freezing, our phones were dead, and we were all shaken.

‘When I saw the lifeboat coming towards us, I felt so relieved.

‘The crew members reassured us and helped us onto the boat.

‘We never expected anything like this to happen. They were so friendly, treated us with care, and offered food and hot drinks. We would like to say thank you to the RNLI crews from Newhaven for saving our lives.'

Gabbi Bachelor, South East Water Safety Education Manager at the RNLI said: ‘The results of the survey are eye opening and show that a large proportion of the public have gaps in tidal knowledge.

‘We know there is a lot more work to be done. We will be using the findings to help shape our safety messaging in public campaigns and education going forward.

‘We expect this weekend to be busy on the coast, but with high spring tides forecast, areas affected by tidal cut off may be cut off faster than normal, and areas not normally known for tidal cut off may see incidents in the coming days.

‘Anyone heading to the coast is reminded of the importance of staying safe and checking the weather and tide times. If you can’t interpret the tide timetable, always seek local advice and stay alert.

‘It’s hard to imagine how walking can turn out to be such a dangerous activity, this is why it’s important to always check the tide times at the start of your day, keep an eye out for the incoming tide and leave enough time to return safely.’ 

As part of the research, Bangor University’s Impact and Innovation Fund commissioned a team including a marine social scientist, an ocean scientist and a discourse analyst to unpick people’s awareness of tides through a nationally representative survey and speaking with casualties. The research was carried out with a view to improving tidal knowledge through new public campaigns and education.

The RNLI is urging people to use a trusted online source such as the Met Office before setting off on a trip. Coastal visitors should be aware the water may change quickly and very differently to what may be expected. The tide comes in and out twice in each 24-hour period, and while tide times can be accurately predicted, they vary at each location and change each day. This is as important for coastal walkers to be aware of as it is for beach goers.

Dr Liz Morris-Webb, Honorary Research Fellow at Bangor University said: ‘As a marine researcher with 25 years of experience along the British coast, I have seen many instances of people being caught out by the tide, from the public to experienced marine professionals. As so many people enjoy the benefits our coast has to offer, it is maybe not surprising that 15% of the population has at some point been cut off by the tide, or nearly so.

‘The first-hand experiences of those who have been cut off have provided important lessons on gaps in tidal knowledge that can quickly turn a family walk or beach visit into to life-threatening situation. I am very grateful to all those who have spoken to us about their traumatic experiences. Their participation is paving the way for improving safety messaging and driving a conversation about how to safely visit our beautiful, but wild, coast.’

When visiting the coast, always remember:

• Check the tide times. If you don’t understand them, please check local advice

• Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags

• If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live; tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can. It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently.

• In a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard

-ENDS -

Notes to editor

• *The RNLI defines a life saved as an incident where, had it not been for the intervention of the RNLI, emergency services and/or a third party, a life would have been lost.

• To view the research on tidal literacy, in collaboration with Bangor University, visit rnli.org/about-us/our-research.

• Southend footage shows – an aerial Drone video at approx x20 speed, 14 minutes of tide plus 6 minutes of tide with static camera edited in.

Also a static camera with 20 minutes of tide at approx x40 speed.

Media contacts

For further information contact Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager on 01273 818012 or [email protected] or the RNLI press office on 01202 336789 / [email protected].

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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved more than 146,000 lives.